Invasive Species

 With the increase in global transportation and consumer goods, there has been an increase in invasive species. An invasive species is one that gets transported from one place to another either through man-made or accidental, the species takes over the area and can create mono-cultures. In an urban area with already limited biodiversity, an invasive species coming to the area can create many issues on many different fronts. Invasive species should be removed and replaced with native species. 

Not only do these species create many issues with the plant life in their respective cities; these species can be detrimental to the economy, there is a higher cost on pesticides, greater risk to human health, and increased risk to ecological damage. In an article published by the National Wildlife Federation, "The impacts on an invasive species on our natural ecosystems and economy cost billions of dollars each year. Many of our commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities depend on healthy native species." While this does not seem to hold a great impact on the general public if one were to educate themselves on even their residential area to find there are more than likely invasive species in their area. This does not include only specific types of plants but, "...can be any kind of living organisms-an amphibian (like the cane-toad), plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism's seeds or eggs-..." With the little insects such as specific types of mosquitos, ants, and other various animals can cause major impacts on residential areas, an increased competition with native species there is a high probability of over population with one specific species. Competition is the term used to describe an interaction between species, where they have to compete over resources in order to survive, the stronger one always wins. There are simply ways, such as a quick google search, to determine if there is an invasive species in your area. Going outside to uproot a plant, or take time to remove an animal infestation, and then replacing with native species can seem so minor but have major benefits. Native species reduces the amount of maintenance and can boost biodiversity. Invasive species often cause much work to get rid of them, keep the decoration factor high, and use more resources in the community. Helping to clean up the community from invasive species is both aesthetically beneficial and economically smart. 

References

What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?. What is an invasive species and why are they a problem? | U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-invasive-species-and-why-are-they-a-problem